From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: POLIX’s beryllium disc
Mains level: detection of lower-energy X-rays
Central idea
ISRO’s successful launch of XPoSat, an X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, marks a significant milestone for Indian astronomers. The indigenous instrument, POLIX, built at Raman Research Institute, aims to study X-ray polarization and unravel the mysteries of celestial magnetic fields, particularly around pulsars and black holes. This achievement highlights India’s growing prowess in space exploration and contributes to the global understanding of cosmic phenomena.
Key Highlights:
- ISRO successfully launched XPoSat, an X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, on New Year’s Day in 2024.
- The indigenous instrument, POLIX, built at Raman Research Institute, is a crucial step for Indian astronomers.
- POLIX aims to study X-ray polarization, providing insights into celestial magnetic fields.
Key Challenges:
- Collecting X-rays from space is challenging due to their high energy, making traditional focusing methods impossible.
- Earth’s atmosphere absorbs most X-rays, complicating the study of cosmic X-rays.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- XPoSat: X-ray Polarimeter Satellite.
- POLIX: Indian X-ray Polarimeter.
- Pulsars: Exotic stars emitting X-rays with strong magnetic fields.
- IXPE: NASA’s X-ray Polarimeter Explorer.
- XSPECT: Instrument on XPoSat for studying timing and spectral properties.
Key Quotes:
- “The instrument, totally indigenous in design and fabrication, will herald yet another milestone for Indian astronomers.”
- “Measuring the polarisation of X-rays would enable astronomers to gauge the directions of magnetic fields in celestial objects.”
Key Statements:
- POLIX, a cubical cylinder with a beryllium disc, detects X-rays and works on the principle of polarization after scattering.
- XPoSat, complementing NASA’s IXPE, will provide valuable information about pulsars and black holes.
Key Examples and References:
- Pulsars, city-sized stars with immense mass, often shine in X-rays and have powerful magnetic fields.
- POLIX’s beryllium disc allows the probing of lower energy X-rays compared to NASA’s instrument.
Key Facts and Data:
- POLIX measures roughly half a meter and weighs nearly 200 kilograms.
- XPoSat focuses on studying the timing and spectral properties of X-ray-emitting objects.
Critical Analysis:
- POLIX’s unique design using beryllium enhances the detection of lower-energy X-rays, providing a significant advantage.
- The launch of XPoSat signifies a major advancement in Indian X-ray astronomy, offering a valuable complement to NASA’s efforts.
Way Forward:
- Anticipation surrounds XPoSat’s data collection, expected to deepen our understanding of pulsars and black holes.
- Ongoing collaboration and advancements in X-ray astronomy will likely lead to further discoveries.
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